And for those of you who need inspiration for postcards to write to 45, check out the suggestions from one of our own, under Reading. Carol Ballou sends a postcard to 45 every day!

My personal picks: See the Migrant Justice issue (1st item under New Items) and the petitions to urge the Vermont College System to go fossil fuel free and to strip Congress of their public health care plan (2nd and 3rd issues under Petitions); also see the suggested Reading at the very bottom for the ACLU’s guidance regarding cell phone searches at the border and a Slate article on cell phone security in general

79 passed in the Vermont Senate and House – it will prevent state agencies from collecting personal information that might be handed over to immigration officials or to officials building a registry. Governor Scott was a proponent of this bill, so he will presumably sign it. If you haven’t already thanked him for proposing this legislation – do so to make sure that he won’t back out! http://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2018/S.79

NEW ITEMS REQUIRINGACTION in no particular order – there are a lot, but that’s because I know that people are interested in different things. Pick the issue that you’re most concerned about, and take action.

Action: Call Vermont ICE director Jeff Curtis at 802-309-1205 and 802-309-1206 and the Boston Field Office at 781-359-7500

Script: I am a citizen resident of Vermont and I am requesting the ,release of Cesar Alex Carrillo, Jose Enrique Balcazar Sanchez, date of birth March 9, 1993 and Zully Victoria Palacios Rodriguez, date of birth May 14, 1993. They are valuable members of the Vermont community and positive role models for our community. [Add any personal information if you happen to know them.] They are assets and we can’t afford to lose them. Thank you.

Script: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I am deeply concerned by the arrest of Migrant Justice leaders by immigration officials in Vermont. It seems like these leaders were targeted by immigration precisely because they were working for the rights of undocumented immigrants. This is a shameful practice. Vermont’s dairy and farm industry relies on the work of these undocumented immigrants. These people make valuable contributions to our community. The individuals who were arrested should be rewarded, not penalized, for providing positive role models to their community. I urge the Congressman to do whatever he can to work for their release and to prevent actions like this from occurring in the future. Thank you!

Action: Contact Governor Phil Scott 802 828-3333 or http://governor.vermont.gov/contact-us/messageScript: I am an American citizen of Vermont and I am disturbed by the ICE arrests of immigrants visiting the courthouse. This tactic threatens to undermine the Vermont justice system. I urge you to condemn this practice and to do whatever you can to thwart it. Thank you!

Action: Contact Vermont Attorney General 802 828-3171 or civilrights@vermont.govScript: I am an American citizen of Vermont and I am disturbed by the ICE arrests of immigrants visiting the courthouse and leaders in the immigrant community who were working with you to acquire visas for their community. These arrests threaten to undermine the Vermont justice system. I urge you to condemn this practice and to do whatever you can to thwart it. Thank you!

Action: Thank the officials who have either denounced the arrests or have indicated that they are instituting an inquiry

Script: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I am deeply concerned by reports that Sebastian Gorka, aide to the president, has ties to the Nazis. I urge the Congressman to call for Gorka’s resignation. Nazis have no business in our administration. Thank you!

Script: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I am deeply concerned by immigration officials stopping the entry of top-level Canadian health care providers into Michigan. These health care providers were providing critical care to US citizens and I don’t want to see this happen in my country or in Vermont. I urge the Congressman to take steps to ensure that we continue to have access to the best possible health care by ensuring the entry rights of commuters. Thank you!

Script: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I urge the Senator to vote No on The Fairness and Class Action Litigation Act HR 985. This legislation makes it more difficult for individuals to come together and bring class action lawsuits to court in everything from civil rights to wrongful death cases. HR 985 is unfair to citizens who lack the personal wealth to seek justice and redress for injuries done by corporations. I urge the Senator to vote No on HR 985 and to show the country and Congress that the Senator is committed to protecting the welfare of the people rather than the power of corporate lobbyists. https://twitter.com/jkkowalski/status/842014164159717381

Caller: Good morning/afternoon! Can you let me know the Senator’s position on the nomination of Jay Clayton to Chair the Securities and Exchange Commission?

OPTION 1: OPPOSES CLAYTON’S NOMINATION

Staffer: Thank you for calling! Senator [“Hernandez”] opposes the nomination of Jay Clayton.

Caller: That’s great! I’m calling to say that if Senator [“Hernandez”] truly believes, as I do, that Jay Clayton is unqualified to Chair the SEC, he/she should do everything he/she can to oppose Clayton’s nomination. This means making public statements or delivering a floor speech opposing Clayton’s nomination in an effort to prevent the wholesale takeover of our government by Wall Street.

Staffer: Thank you for calling! Senator Bob supports the nomination of Jay Clayton.

Caller: That’s terrible. What that means is Senator [“Hernandez”] is choosing to further enrich Wall Street and the wealthy few at the expense of working class Americans. When it comes to the financial security of ordinary Americans, the SEC is critical. We experienced firsthand what can happen when the SEC fails to hold Wall Street banks accountable – during the financial crisis in 2008, ordinary Americans lost more than $16 trillion and more than three millions households were foreclosed upon. And while that was happening, Jay Clayton was helping Goldman Sachs, and others, receive billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded bailout money.

Americans deserve an SEC chair who has a proven track record of putting the financial interests of Americans first, not Wall Street banks. Does Senator [“Hernandez”] put Americans first?

OPTION 3: DODGES / HAS NO POSITION

Staffer: Thank you for calling! I’m not sure if the Senator supports or opposes the nomination of Jay Clayton, but I’m happy to take down your concerns.

Caller: That’s disappointing to hear—the SEC is critical to the financial security of millions of Americans, myself included. Jay Clayton has spent his entire career helping Wall Street banks skirt the rules and rake in profits, including in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Jay Clayton is wholly unqualified to lead the SEC. Here are my concerns: We need an SEC Chair who has a proven track record of putting the financial security of ordinary Americans before the bottom line of Wall Street. I expect Senator [“Hernandez”] to publicly state his opposition to Jay Clayton’s nomination to prove that he/she is on my side.

Staffer: I will certainly pass on your concerns to the Senator.

Caller: Please do, and please take down my contact information to let me know when the Senator has made up his mind. I’m eager to hear what he decides.

Script: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I urge the Congressman to vote against S 446/HR 38, which would force each state to recognize concealed carry permits from every other state, overriding each state’s core public safety laws on who is too dangerous to carry guns in public or even to possess guns at all. Law enforcement does not support this law, and neither do I. It would make everyone less safe. The Congressman should vote against it.

Action: Contact your House Representative Peter Welch 802-652-2450 https://welch.house.gov/contact/emailScript: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I strongly urge the Congressman to oppose HR34, which would repeal the Gun Free School Zone Act. Guns do not belong in schools. I want the Congressman to vote against HR34. Thank you.

Action: Contact your House Representative Peter Welch 802-652-2450 https://welch.house.gov/contact/emailScript: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I urge the Congressman to support HR 1452, which will keep our taxpayer money out of Trump hotels. Taxpayer dollars are meant to support US infrastructure like roads and schools. We’ve already seen the White House used as a platform to support the Trump family’s private enterprises. I would like the Congressman to support HR 1452 to demonstrate his commitment to reining in government corruption. https://twitter.com/jkkowalski/status/841304160825946114

Action: Contact your House Representative Peter Welch 802-652-2450 https://welch.house.gov/contact/emailScript: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I am deeply concerned by Representative King’s white supremacist statements last week. I urge the Congressman to publicly condemn King’s statements and to follow Nancy Pelosi’s example in pushing for King’s removal from his position as chairman of a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. Thank you.

Action: Contact your House Representative Peter Welch 802-652-2450 https://welch.house.gov/contact/emailScript: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I urge the Congressman to investigate whether sufficient grounds exist for the impeachment of Donald Trump and, if there is, to initiate the proceedings. Thank you.

Action: Contact your House Representative Peter Welch 802-652-2450 https://welch.house.gov/contact/emailScript: I am a constituent of the Congressman in Vermont and I urge the Congressman to vote against HR, 367, which would make it easier for people to obtain silencers and guns. Passing this bill would make everyone less safe. I urge the Congressman to vote against it. Thank you.

14 Environmental issues spotlighted by @BadHombresNPS

S145 has been introduced. Would require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to more efficiently develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral materials of strategic and critical importance to the economic and national security and manufacturing competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/145?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22s.145%22%5D%7D&r=1 It is currently with the committee on Energy and Natural Resources, of which Senator Sanders is a member.

Action: Call the Committee (202) 224-6163 Script: I am calling in regards to S145. The public lands in our district are incredibly important and requiring mining and drilling on them would put our National Parks and their local communities at risk. Our national parks and public lands are a national treasures, we must ensure the sanctity of our public lands for generations to come. I urge the Committee to vote against S145 to keep our federal lands adequately protected from aggressive mining activities.

Action: Call Senator Sanders Local office 802-862-0697 https://www.sanders.senate.gov/contact/commentScript: I’m _____, a constituent of Senator ______. I am calling in regards to S145. The public lands in our district are incredibly important and requiring mining and drilling on them would put our National Parks and their local communities at risk. Our national parks and public lands are a national treasures, we must ensure the sanctity of our public lands for generations to come. I urge Congressman/woman ____ to vote against S145 to keep our federal lands adequately protected from aggressive mining activities. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1svtAh_gvlb-9NmyQ5CXtYKmCWxQ9cj8l4lP9fKt0yg0/edit

Action: Contact the Homeland Security Committee (202) 226-8417 Script: I am calling to express my support for HR739, This is our land act. It’s important to me that federal land not be subjected to unnecessary border walls. Thank you.

Action: Call the subcommittee on the Environment (Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Commerce) (202) 225-2927 Script: I am calling in regards to HR861. The EPA protects our air and water, provides funding for communities to maintain safe drinking water and ensures wastewater is treated appropriately. The EPA also ensures that business who do pollute are held accountable. Rolling back 40+ years of regulations will only damage our communities and our citizens. I urge the subcommittee on the Environment to vote against HR861 to keep our entire country’s water, land, and air clean and safe. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JrnvwpjXCNQ6Isc6UWwkIqpUyscodeubJOlqSV34keI/edit

Script: I am deeply concerned by what appear to be conflicts of interest on the part of the president. I urge the Senator to send a letter demanding the president turn over his most recent tax returns. This is a national security matter, particularly as hostilities mount with nations like China, where the president appears to have a great deal invested. I would appreciate the Senator doing whatever he can to obtain these tax returns to ensure that the nation’s interests are protected.

16 Vermont Attorney General Donovan has released a guidance to Vermont’s law enforcement agencies regarding immigration enforcement. According to this guidance, local law enforcement may perform immigration-related activities only if they are authorized by state law to make a criminal arrest or if they receive express authorization from federal immigration authorities as per agreement. No such agreement exists at this time. However, immigration officials often submit requests to local law enforcement to detain individuals so that immigration officials can determine if the individuals will be taken into custody. Local law enforcement are under no legal obligation to carry out the request. Local law enforcement must be mindful of state and federal constitutional prohibitions against unreasonable searches and seizures. If a person is held for longer than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) without probable cause related to a criminal offense, this constitutes unlawful detention. The sharing of personal information regarding detainees is voluntary. The Attorney General has directed law enforcement to avoid dedicating time and resources to enforcing federal immigration law, to decline federal immigration detainer requests except under special circumstances, and to prohibit inquiry into an individual’s immigration status for the sole purpose of investigating and enforcing compliance with federal immigration laws. The Guidance also reviews the reasons why collusion between local law enforcement and immigration officials actually undermines public safety. http://ago.vermont.gov/focus/news/attorney-general-donovan-and-immigration-task-force-release-guidance-for-cities-and-towns-on-immigration-enforcement.php and http://ago.vermont.gov/assets/files/Consumer/Guidance%20to%20VT%20Cities%20and%20Towns%20re%20Immigration%20Enforcement.pdf

Action: Contact your local Sheriff/Chief of Police’s asking him/her to take a stand against anti-immigrant policies. To find your Sheriff/Chief of Police: http://www.usacops.com/ For Rutland, the Chief of Police is Anthony Bossi, 52 Washington St., Rutland, Vermont 05701, Phone: (802)773-1816.

Script: I am a citizen resident of ___ and I am calling/writing to urge the Sheriff/Chief of Police to follow the Vermont Attorney General’s guidance regarding immigration enforcement. Please do not waste our resources by doing the federal government’s job unless this is called for, as per the Attorney General’s instructions. Please decline detainee requests. Also, please follow the Attorney General’s advice and don’t violate the privacy of Vermont residents by sharing information about residents with immigration officials. The enforcement of immigration law should be left to the federal government and not transferred to local law enforcement. The costs are a drain on local resources and divert funding from more effective safety and crime prevention methods. By eroding trust and cooperation between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, public safety is also undermined. (from https://www.wall-of-us.org)

Script: Hi, I’m [NAME] from [CITY, ZIP]. I’m calling to insist ____support transgender people safely using the bathroom consistent with their gender identity. This is a basic guarantee of human dignity, and denying it is just cruel. The folks pushing bathroom discrimination might be noisy, but your boss should know that a majority of Americans are against it, and we’re going to be noisy, too. I’d like ___ to publicly commit to opposing these discriminatory laws. (http://www.weekly-resistance.online/index.html)

Action: Contact Governor Phil Scott 802 828-3333 or http://governor.vermont.gov/contact-us/messageScript: I am one of the governor’s constituents in Vermont and I’m disappointed by the lack of leadership that he’s showing in developing a feasible budget. I expect him to some innovation and to cooperate with the legislature, regardless of party, in creating a budget that doesn’t require Vermonters to sacrifice the services that we pay for.

20 DAPL – Amnesty International documented several instances where the force used by law enforcement officers appears to have been excessive and a pattern of cases where people appear to have been excessively charged as punishment for or deterrence from taking part in future demonstrations against the pipeline. http://www.amnestyusa.org/sites/default/files/letter_to_gov_and_ag_of_nd.pdf

Language: I urge you to take immediate steps to prevent human rights violations against Indigenous Peoples and their allies opposed to the Dakota Access Pipeline, and to ensure accountability for any past human rights violations. I am deeply concerned about the treatment of Indigenous Peoples and their allies by authorities, most recently in relations to the clearing of camps and the eviction of people near the pipeline construction site. Please drop all misdemeanor charges against all people related to the demonstrations; please review all felony charges involving same; please drop the felony charges for reckless endangerment against Israel Hernandez and Mike Fasig, who reportedly prevented an armed person from entering the camp and helped disarmed him before turning him over to law enforcement; please direct all law enforcement personnel operating in North Dakota to take the appropriate steps to prevent instances of excessive force during demonstrations in the future; please stop outfitting law enforcement in military and riot equipment in confrontations with peaceful demonstrators; and please open independent investigations immediately into cases of excessive or unnecessary force and make the results public. Thank you. (for this and additional language see: http://www.amnestyusa.org/sites/default/files/letter_to_gov_and_ag_of_nd.pdf )

Action: Learn more about these human rights violations by someone was there. Come to one of the TD Bank protests in Rutland from 10 am – noon on Saturdays and meet Rod, who was one of the allies who supported the Indigenous Peoples at the #NODAPL camp.

Action: Thank the AG for fighting the rollback of vehicle emission standards, and while you’re at it, thank him for fighting the second Muslim ban and for his guidance to local law enforcement, instructing them not to waste time and resources doing the work of immigration officials. 802 828-3171 or info@vermont.gov

Sample Facebook message: Why is [____________] still sponsoring the USGA, given its refusal to boycott Trump? Bi-partisan ethicists agree–it is wrong for Trump to use the presidency to promote his golf resorts. The USGA has also not denounced Trump’s disrespect towards women. As a major corporate sponsor of the USGA, your company is fueling unprecedented corruption and misogyny. Ask the USGA to boycott Trump or pull your sponsorship today!

Sample email: [_____], I am writing to express my disappointment in [______]’s sponsorship of the USGA, given its refusal to boycott Trump. First, bipartisan ethicists have concluded that it is an ethical violation for President Trump to continue to benefit from his businesses. Despite this, the USGA continues to hold key events at Trump resorts, including the upcoming US Women’s Open. The USGA has also not made any statements denouncing President Trump’s repeated disrespect towards women. By supporting the USGA, you are fueling unprecedented corruption and misogyny. I am encouraged that so many companies have shown courage and made public statements against Donald Trump. You are in a unique position to stand up for our democratic values. Your company claims that you value both transparency and inclusion, yet your sponsorship of the USGA contradicts that. I hope that you will make a public statement pulling your sponsorship of the USGA soon. Thank you, [___Your Name___] [___Your City/State___]

24 Eric Schneiderman, the NY Attorney General, wants to investigate Trump’s violations of the emoluments clause. His office is tallying public support nationwide.

Action: Contact Ajit Pai 1-888-225-5322 or Pai@fcc.govScript: I am calling to express my appreciation for Mr. Pai’s past support for the First Amendment. I urge him to continue to defend the First Amendment and to publicly speak out in defense of the press and to condemn attempts on the part of the government to pressure the media. Thank you!

House Dems (@WhipHoyer) have put up a website where you can vote up or down on #AHCA w/ a map of US sentiment: resistrepeal.org If you want to set yourself up to communicate directly with your Member of Congress through this opinion collection effort and other efforts, then register first at www.popvox.com to be linked with your members of congress. Then your opinions on Rep. Hoyer’s ACHA opinion gathering effort will be sent directly to your lawmakers. You can also set up your Legislative Agenda so that your lawmaker will be able to lookup their constituents positions on issues. (from http://roganslist.blogspot.com/)

Foreign assistance programs are amongst those that would be cut in Trump’s budget proposal. These programs help provide food, clean water, and education. CARE Action has a form letter that you can customize and send to your members of Congress, asking them to protect these programs: http://bit.ly/2mCLr5C (from http://roganslist.blogspot.com/)

If we have personal stories about the effects of the proposed healthcare cuts, we need to send them to our local newspapers this weekend. Let’s also send a copy to each of our legislators. PLEASE. We need our newspapers across the country to be flooded with these stories as the House votes on this abysmal plan next Thursday. Our letters do not have to be perfect. They don’t need to be filled with facts. They need to be filled with our realities and our hearts. (from http://roganslist.blogspot.com/)

Help ArtsUSA.org collect stories about the power of the arts! The former president of South Africa, F.W. DeKlerk, once told the U.S. Secretary of State that it was his cultural diplomacy visit to the U.S. that changed his ideas about a multiracial democracy. He subsequently released Nelson Mandela from prison and they began the country’s transformation. Send your personal story about how the arts helped you to rharper@artsusa.org

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the only federal agency that funds libraries nationwide. The IMLS is the main federal source for innovative library programs that support early literacy, workforce development, and community improvement through libraries. If this library program is cut – along with NEA, NEH, and PBS as proposed – the impacts would be felt in small towns and in big city neighborhoods. Let’s join EveryLibrary and use this form to contact our members of Congress today and ask them to preserve this n the next and future budgets. http://action.everylibrary.org/preserve_funding_for_the_neh_nea_and_pbs (from http://roganslist.blogspot.com/)

Energy Star is in danger of being cut under 45’s proposed budget. This voluntary program saves consumers money and creates jobs. Search #ENERGYSTARWorks on Twitter and add your own story to describe how Energy Star has helped to save you money. Energy Star is collecting stories.

The March for Science is coming up on April 22nd. They’re asking for you to e-mail stories about how scientists serve their communities, whether that’s by saving lives, protecting communities, or advancing public interest. There will also be a video series premiering on March 20th. Stories can be e-mailed to story@marchforscience.com You can also use the hashtag #ScienceServes on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. (from http://roganslist.blogspot.com/)

As previous newsletters have mentioned, 45 and the GOP are trying to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which has returned millions of dollars to citizens and continues to protect us from fraud. Let’s sign Sen. Harris’ (D-CA) petition to help save the bureau: http://go.kamalaharris.org/page/s/cfpb (from http://roganslist.blogspot.com/)

There is a report that, on March 16th, the United States bombed a mosque in Aleppo, killing at least 50 citizens who were attending evening prayer. The US military has denied that a mosque was hit and is looking into the report of civilian casualties. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39299266 This report is concerning for three reasons: 1) If the mosque was targeted, this suggests a potential violation of the Geneva Convention, 2) If the mosque wasn’t targeted but was hit, this suggests a serious “mistake,” and 3) Escalation of this sort is indicative of 45’s instructions to push civilian casualties https://airwars.org/news/1000th-allegation/

Carol Ballou: Every day I send a postcard to Trump. I appeal to his hubris, narcissism et al…more likely to get through if there is any possibility:

President, Paul Ryan’s health care bill could cost Vermont $200 million per year. It is much worse than Obamacare, even with all the flaws that law has. Tens of thousands of Vermonters would lose coverage and itwould be called Trumpcare. Your name would get attached to a real failure! That’s not good for you. Sincerely, my signature

President, Oh dear, things aren’t going too well for you. Ryan has proposed a bill that doesn’t keep your healthcare promises, but it gets called Trumpcare. Then your budget director puts out a budget with your name on it that slashes disease research, eliminates Meals on Wheels, gets rid of transportation grants and eliminates the program that helps pay home energy costs. People won’t be liking this and your name is attached. So sad.